Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Not too long ago, the US. Army decided to overhaul its long-standing physical fitness test, in order to improve fitness, reduce injuries, and better demonstrate strength. Read those last three words again: Better demonstrate strength. STRENGTH. What we train for, what we admire, and respect. What we enjoy reading about ( and writing about, too!). And just what movement has the Army chosen to most effectively test the strength of its soldiers? Why, none other than the Deadlift. Actually, to be more precise, the Trap Bar Deadlift. More about that in a few minutes.
Since the 1980s, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) consisted of three events: Push-Ups, Sit-ups, and Two Mile Run. Since the Fall of 2018, a new Army Combat Readiness Test (ACRT) has been developed, and is in the process of being implemented. The new ACRT consists of the following:
1) Leg Tuck. This replaces Sit-Ups. It's basically a hanging knee-up. You hang from a pull-up bar, and bring your knees up to your elbows. You need to do a minimum of three, and get maximum points if you do 25.
2) Power Throw. This is a backward toss with a 10 Lb. medicine ball. We've seen variations of this in World's Strongest Man contests over the years, usually in the form of tossing beer kegs for height. For the Army, the test is measured in centimeters and a minimum throw is 450 cm ( 14.5 feet.) To max the event, you need to toss the medicine ball 1400 cm ( 45.9 feet.)
3. Trap Bar Deadlift. Lift as much weight off the ground for three reps using a Trap Bar. The minimum weight is 170 Lbs. To get maximum points, you need to do 400 Lbs..
4. T-Push-Ups or Hand Release Push-ups. This is a different version of the standard Push-Up. There are four counts to the movement. Up Push-Up, Down Push-Up, Extend your arms to your side's to form a "T" with your body, Bring your arms back to the Down position. Minimum score is 15, max is 80.
5. Shuttle Sprint Drag Carry. This is a shuttle run consisting of carrying various loads for a 25 meter shuttle course.
Sprint 25m and back with no weight.
100 Lb. Sled drag 25m and back.
Sprint 25m and back with no weight.
Sprint 25m and back carrying two 40 Lb. kettlebells.
Sprint 25m and back with no weight.
Minimum passing time is 2:40, Max points is 1:30.
6. Two Mile Run.
While the inclusion of kettlebells, and the sled-drag are sure to pique the interests of strength athletes, it is the Deadlift that immediately registers with those of us who hoist the Steel. It is refreshing to see that the Army is finally recognizing the Deadlift as a superior movement for testing, demonstrating, and building strength. Perhaps the "powers that be" took a long look at the benefits of this wonderful exercise. Or maybe they just looked up some of the quotes Lifters have used to describe the Deadlift. Here are just a few:
"The Deadlift is the great separator. Many times a powerlifting contest comes down to the final Deadlift."
"The most basic and simple test of overall bodily strength."
"The Deadlift separates the men from the boys."
"The contest isn't over until the bar touches the floor."
"In a contest, a good deadlifter always has an ace in the hole."
While I don't believe the Army is trying to convert their soldiers into Powerlifters ( at least not yet), it is nice to see that strength, or should I say STRENGTH, is an integral component of fitness. Whether you are a Soldier, Firefighter, or competitive athlete, deadlifting will build great strength that can be applied to any physical endeavor or challenge.
It is particularly interesting to see that the Trap Bar is being used as the implement of choice to perform the Deadlift in the new testing process. I first became aware of the Trap Bar back in 1992 at Iron Island Gym. I've always liked the feel of the movement, and have gotten good results incorporating it into my workouts. There have been times when I've used it for sets of low reps. Three sets of five or six will build great strength, while providing an effective alternative to conventional Deadlifts. Let's face it, week after week of heavy Deadlifting can become monotonous. Utilizing a Trap Bar can keep your workouts interesting, while you still provide work for your back, and hips. There were also times when I would use the Trap Bar for high reps. Training at Dr. Ken's Iron Island Gym, it would be difficult to avoid high intensity training, and the Trap Bar provided the perfect vehicle with which to train intensely. An all-out set of twenty reps will be enough to throw anyone "for a loop." Or, you could do three sets of ten with one minute of rest between sets. It looks easy on paper, but wait until you try it.
Over the last month, my interest in the Trap Bar has been renewed. This has nothing to do with the Army's new test. Rather, it is just a recognition of the benefits of using such a quality piece of equipment. I recently purchased a heavy-duty trap bar with 2" handles. The thing is a beast, and the thick handles will tax the grip, and add intensity to the movement. I like to use a 2" platform inside the bar ( 2" deficit) to make the movement even more challenging. The soreness that I've experienced indicates to me that it must be working.
Hopefully, the Army's new physical fitness standards will be successful. Past experience with new things tend to indicate that the results will be both positive and negative, especially at first. After sufficient time has passed, I'm sure that they will be happy with the results.
In any event, best of luck to our soldiers in their Deadlifting endeavors. May they embrace the benefits of a wonderful exercise.

Does modern bodybuilding make you sick? You should write for Natural Strength! I always need good articles about drug-free weight training. It only has to be at least a page and nothing fancy. Just write it strong and truthful with passion! Send your articles directly to me: bobwhelan@naturalstrength.com

SERVICES INFO

Olde-Time Physical Culture...Cutting Edge Exercise Science

NaturalStrength.com is an online think-tank, (combining the best of the old with the best of the new), dedicated to truthful drug-free strength training information. Good articles about weight training, strength research, the harmful effects of steroids, the mental aspects of training, and irongame/physical culture history are always wanted. Articles about nutrition are not especially wanted and will most likely be rejected. Women are strongly encouraged to participate. Email articles to the editor: bobwhelan@